Last night’s dramatic come-from-behind victory symbolized the 2012 Phillies season: just when you think they’re dead, they come alive, and prove that there’s still in the race. The Phillies remain four games out, but there’s still plenty of baseball to be played.

Tonight, the Phillies will make up Tuesday’s game, which was postponed due to rain. They’ll also go for the sweep.

Rookie Tyler Cloyd is immediately in a tough position. Cloyd, who lacks major league experience, is pitching in games that are extremely meaningful and could determine whether the Phillies inch closer to the postseason or not. Cloyd pitched decently in his outing against Houston, but the bullpen couldn’t hold it together.

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This libertarian beer is brewed by the 21st Amendment Brewery just down the street from AT&T Park in San Francisco and recently became available here in the Northeast. Not surprisingly, this IPA is aggressive on the hops and bitterness. If you drink it cold however, it can be a very enjoyable experience. Pair its strong flavors with some not-too-spicy chicken tikka. – By Brian

Well that”s a nice start. Everybody was just smashing the ball against that pitcher. Good to see! Bases loaded, 0 outs…gotta score two more and give Cloyd enough of a lead so he doesn’t feel the pressure.

why are you watching this. cards won. there is no way with 4 games back to catch. you ass holes the cards took all from the worst team in baseball. we could not do that. thats why we will not make it to the wildcard round. you see. take charlie and chop his nuts off. then take away rubins green card and send him back. this team is baddd. the nl is watered down. you understand me boys. now go watch the gmen

Phillies just have to play the games and do the best that they can do. The Cards are going on the road to Chicago and then Houston. Phillies have to play the Nationals and the Braves at home. They could be out of it in the next few days but they could also get right back in the race this weekend.

Another bad day for Chad Qualls helped seal the Bucs fate tonight and for the season. I don’t really see the need to bring in a free agent for the bullpen. Let’s see for the starters we have:

Hamels
Lee
Halladay
Kendrick
Worley
Cloyd

Presumably, Worley or Cloyd may have to work the bullpen or be the long man. For the relievers, we have:

Obviously, 4 of those players won’t be on the 25 man roster but its good to have those types of problems. A problem is who will be the setup man if Bastardo or Aumont cannot fulfill the role. I would not suggest signing a veteran relief man because there are so many relievers who have shown a lot of potential.

doug you beat me to the punch i was bellyaching to my son and my wife that being up by 11 runs in the top of the ninth you’d at see ruf pinch hit for howie and play first in the bottom half! no sooner do i say that and boom! salami time! i’m happy for howard , but come on man that was the perfect time to get him an AB! what’s wrong with cholly. he thinks we got a shot , i’m still hoping we have one, but the math is getting harder with every cards win. this game was well in hand . he should have pulled howard and let ruf play an inning or two or at least get an AB. dammit

There’s no real reason to have Ruf play a few innings at first, because he’ll never be a regular there for the Phils.

I can see giving him an AB or two just to see what he’s got at the plate, though, especially in a blow-out game.

Part of the problem is that Manuel has many other players to audition who are older and have fewer options. Ruf can still be sent down if need be, but some guys would have to pass through waivers first. If management wants to get a good look at them they have to do it now. It limits Manuel’s moves somewhat.